The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize thirteen year old Henry Mann as this week’s sportstar of the week. After leading his team to the YMSSA championship game two years in a row (winning it all in sixth grade), the Salanter Akiba Riverdale (SAR) eighth grader collected MVP honors at the first ever Swish for Sderot Tournament.
Henry, congrats on a great tournament and a so far undefeated season for the SAR Sting. Who would you say is your role model and why?
My sabbas. One is an incredible athlete at nearly 70 years old, and learns every single day. The other went blind at a late age and taught himself all these new skills including how to use an iPhone.
What is your favorite sport?
Basketball
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Winning silver in the Maccabee games 14u last summer
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Kevin Durant. He is true to his family and his religion. He is also known for being one of the nicest players in the NBA.
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
I just focus and take regular warmups. I don’t let the pressure of a big game have an impact.
What is your earliest sport memory?
The first time I ever played basketball was in first grade. I scored on my first shot and hit the and-one. I knew then it was a sport I liked.
What is your funniest sports related memory?
When I was skiing a few years ago I decided to try the terrain park. After landing the small first jump I took the second jump which was much much bigger. I think they call it a fire sale when your poles going flying in opposite directions and so do your skis.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Coming back from down 12 points in the third quarter to win the sixth grade championship.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Hang with my friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Being surrounded by the other 12 sports stars on the SAR Sting.
I want to give a special shout out to my mom whose birthday it was when we won the tournament. Happy birthday, Mom!
The Jewish Link and Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for upcoming Gotham Burger Sportstars of the Week to [email protected].
